Seasonal & Holidays
7 Things To Do In Oak Park-River Forest This Spring: Markets, Festivals & Local Events
From a brand partner: Add these community happenings to your calendar in the weeks ahead.
Longer days and warmer weather mean it’s a great time to get outside and see what’s happening around Oak Park-River Forest. Throughout the season, local markets, festivals and community events offer plenty of opportunities to explore, connect and enjoy the best of spring.
Below are several happenings to check out this season. Before heading out, it’s always a good idea to confirm hours, weather plans and ticket details with event organizers.
1. Oak Park Farmers’ Market
Find out what's happening in Oak Park-River Forestfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
When: Saturdays, 7 a.m. - 1 p.m., starting May 23
Where: 460 Lake St., in the Pilgrim Church parking lot
Find out what's happening in Oak Park-River Forestfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
From donuts to fresh regionally grown produce, local vendors will be bringing their products to the market. Shoppers can support small businesses while finding a variety of fresh, in season fruits and vegetables at the producer-only market.
More info: oak-park.us/Community/Events-and-Activities/Oak-Park-Farmers-Market
2. Hiking at Thatcher Woods
When: Year-round from sunrise to sunset
Where: Entrance is located on Chicago Avenue west of Thatcher Avenue, River Forest
With 245 acres of forest, located along the Des Plaines River, Thatcher Woods offers miles of walking trails and opportunities for bird watching – more than 45 species have been spotted. You can enjoy a hike through the woods and make a stop at the Trailside Museum of Natural History.
More info: fpdcc.com/places/locations/thatcher-woods/
3. Spring House Walk
When: May 3, 1 - 5 p.m.
Where: Homes throughout River Forest
Each year The Historical Society of Oak Park and River Forest hosts the house walk, showcasing homes throughout the area. This year's theme is American Dream Homes and five residences in northeast River Forest will be featured and open for tours.
More info: oprfmuseum.org/events/spring-house-walk-0
4. Thursday Night’s Out
When: Thursdays, 5 - 9 p.m., beginning June 4
Where: Downtown Oak Park
Leave the cooking for another day. Enjoy a meal out at one of the more than 20 downtown Oak Park restaurants offering a special TNO menu. Dine al fresco and enjoy live music at the end of Marion Street near North Boulevard.
More info: thursdaynightout.com
5. Pedal Oak Park
When: Saturdays and Sundays at 9:30 a.m. June through October
Where: 951 Chicago Ave., Oak Park
Grab the bike, a helmet and get ready to visit some of the most interesting architectural sites in the nation. Take a guided bicycle tour of historic neighborhoods while visiting 21 Frank Lloyd Wright-designed structures. The two-hour tour goes on rain or shine.
More info: flwright.org/tour/pedal-oak-park
6. 2026 KidsFest
When: April 26, 10 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Where: Oak Park Conservatory, 615 Garfield, Oak Park
Celebrate Earth Day with fun family-friendly and hands-on activities at this annual event held at the Oak Park Conservatory. Learn more about nature, explore plants and pollinators and take part in craft projects. Registration is required.
More info: fopcon.org/event/2026-kidsfest
7. Friday at Hemingway’s: Celebration of Poetry
When: May 8, 7 - 9 p.m.
Where: Ernest Hemingway Birthplace Museum, 339 N. Oak Park Ave., Oak Park
Enjoy an evening of cocktails and poetry with featured poets P. Scott Cunningham and Christine Poreba. This free event will include a Q&A with the authors along with the poetry reading. Space is limited, so registration is required.
More info: hemingwaybirthplace.com/programs-events/2025/4/25/poetry-month-readings-jydga
Looking for more things to do in Oak Park-River Forest this spring? Check out the Patch events calendar for more local events and activities.
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